Austria defeat Norway to win the Bambusa Chal­lenge

As against Hungary, the game was characterised by high pace and intensity. However, Norway were able to put Austria under more pressure than the Hungarians had the previous day. With a direct, fast game, they again looked to move the puck quickly into the offensive zone and establish themselves there. 

Norway caused Austria problems at times. Their good work in their own zone ensured that they did not fall behind. However, it happened while shorthanded. Midway through the second period, Josefine Biseth Engmann gave the hosts the lead.

Austria fought back immediately. Captain Anna Meixner scored the deserved equaliser in the 34th minute. The third period and overtime remained scoreless, and Anna Meixner was once again the only player to score in the penalty shootout, securing the points and the tournament title for Austria.

Head Coach Alexander Bröms: "This win naturally feels good. It was a good performance today, with a few weaker phases. We knew it would be another close game. Norway played with more pressure than Hungary, but we accepted that and handled it well. The young players were given their chance at this tournament and took it. It was good for our development that the two games were so different. It also allowed us to practise three-on-three and penalty shootouts a little. We will now begin planning for the December break, when we want to take the next step."

The action continues in December with a team camp, before preparations for Olympic qualification begin at the end of January/start of February. It will take place from 6 to 9 February in Bremerhaven (GER), where Austria will face hosts Germany, Hungary and a qualifier. The winner will secure a ticket to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. 

Bambusa Challenge 2024

Norway vs. Austria 1:2 after penalty shootout (0:0,1:1,0:0,0:0,0:1)
Sat, 9 November 2024, 16:00, Lillehammer (NOR)
Norway scorer: Josefine Biseth Engmann (29th/PP1) 
Austria scorer: Anna Meixner (34th, 65th/decisive penalty)

Austria lined up with:

Goaltenders: 25 Luggin Selma; 1 Kronberger Karla Emilia (backup)
Line 1: 23 Matzka Antonia, 6 Leitner Hannah; 21 Dauböck Lena Kristin, 13 Grascher Tamara, 4 Picka Vanessa
Line 2: 9 Henek Gloria, 17 Wittich Charlotte; 10 Meixner Anna, 12 Lintner Emma, 16 Kutzer Leonie
Line 3: 5 Nagy Laura, 15 Billa Anna Marlene; 22 Artner Lena Maria, 14 Schall Tamina, 18 Obermayr Hanna
Line 4:2 Valentina Prosen, 19 Hanna Danninger; 3 Hanna Schwarzer, 7 Christina Schusser, 11 Christina Bayer; 8 Emily Wiesinger

Already played:

Hungary vs. Austria 1:4 (1:0,0:2,0:2)
Fri, 8 November 2024, 19:00, Lillehammer (NOR)
Hungary goalscorer: Karina Kárpáti (10)
Austria goalscorers: Tamina Schall (21), Anna Meixner (35), Tamara Grascher (48/PP1), Lena Artner (56)